Science Says that Online Dating Is Kind of Hopeless

If you're anything like us, you've weathered those awful Tinder dates and spent the time getting your OkCupid profile just right (you think); you've J-swiped and Hinged and given out your number with a smidge of reckless abandon. Why? Because it seems like everyone who's in a relationship can rattle off the dating site or app that played matchmaker. This is the age of Tinder marriage, for goodness' sake. So we endure it all with the knowledge that there is an ends to justify the means. It's the future.

Sorry, folks, but according to a new study conducted by researchers at Stanford and Michigan State University, relationships that started online are more likely to end than old-fashioned meet-cutes. Scientists surveyed more than 4,000 people, and found that couples who met through dating sites were more likely to break up. They're also less likely to get married. But the real kicker? Apparently all this digital dating nonsense isn't even the most efficient way to meet someone, since people who meet online take longer to initiate a relationship. Face, meet palm.

It does make sense—the scientists point out in the study that we drag our feet online because it is the internet (read: equal parts sketchy and non-committal). But, if right this very minute, you're shouting indignantly that the only reason you joined Tinder is because it's so hard to meet people IRL, join the club! And then, maybe plan on mingling with actual human beings at a bar this week, instead of floating heads and shirtless selfies on your iPhone screen. And remember that at the very least, Tinder is worth keeping around for the painfully amazing stories.